The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Abascal, José Fernando

ABASCAL, José Fernando, ä-bäs-cäl′, hō-sā′ fĕr-nān′dŏ, Spanish soldier and statesman: b. Oviedo, 1743; d. Madrid, 1821. Entering service in 1762, he rose to brigadier-general in the French Revolutionary wars; in 1796 became viceroy of Cuba and defended Havana against the English fleet; then was commander in New Galicia, and later viceroy of Peru, where he showed great ability and kindliness, and in recognition of his efforts to reconcile natives and Spanish was created Marqués de la Concordia. He defended Buenos Aires from the English, and suppressed revolts in Lima and Cuzco; but having a turn of ill success was recalled in 1816.